New York Times's South-east Asia correspondent
Wayne Arnold said that opposition does exist and it does served as a fairly potent outlet for Singaporean to express dissatisfaction with the way things are going. Do you agree?.Love to see alternative views.
2006-09-07 15:48:50 · 6 answers · asked by Teh halia 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Yes! but the support is not there. Singaporeans tend to have fear in talking or discussing politics. E.g Should you put up a question in this "Yahoo Answers" web site about the government, the most you can get not more than 5 answers, why ?
2006-09-08 03:34:53 · answer #1 · answered by James Louis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Singapore's government has decided that it likes the idea of a speakers' corner. But it will have free speech Singaproe style: "We will let people say whatever they like to say," explained Home Affairs Minister, Mr Wong Kan Seng, "except for things that will offend the law, or offend religious or racial sensibilities, or anything that is libelous. Then, of course, they will be subject to lawsuits by the people whom they libel."
The most vigilant users of the libel law in Singapore are its political leaders. Singapore's ruling party has been spectacularly successful in persecuting political opponents simply by the brisk use of libel suits, unerringly decided in favour of the government on punitive terms by a deeply sympathetic judiciary. And before you take your soapbox to Singapore you should know of a few other stipulations. You'll need a licence. The police may record your views. And you are liable to detention without trial if you are deemed a menace to public security.
America next?
2006-09-07 15:52:46 · answer #2 · answered by dstr 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wayne Arnold is as thick as S*** if he needs to go all the way to Singapore to find problems with "democracy". Needs a head check. A typical brainwashed westerner. If you can tell the difference between Republicans and Democrats then you are not brainwashed, but hypnotized! It is much subtler to tell the public that you have a choice between sugar and sugar. Let them choose. But others are more honest and say you got a choice of one. Choose. Get me?
2006-09-07 15:54:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fixing is always in progress. Hurray for progress!
EDIT: "Singapore's government has decided that it likes the idea of a speakers' corner."
Do note that
1) there's a police post right in front of it.
2) you have to apply for a permit to speak.
3) your speech has to be audited.
4) no one is there to listen.
2006-09-07 15:52:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in Singapore....no comments. I don't want to be arrested.
2006-09-08 01:51:41 · answer #5 · answered by citrusy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm sure there is opposition parties in s'pore...if not why have elections??
I'm sure the members of opposition parties in s'pore are speaking...nobody can remain silent forever...n i dun think the opposition consist of all mutes...even the vocally disabled r using sign language to speak...
I'm just not too sure if wat they say could be heard.....
Cheers...
2006-09-07 17:37:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋